Intersections is distributed each Wednesday with news from around the Region. Do you have an event or news you would like to share? Submissions are due every Tuesday by 5 pm. Email Mae in the office.

Pursuing Christ's Ministry in Unity through Our Rich Diversity

December 3, 2005

A Word from the Executive Minister

Announcements

Congregations, and individuals are reminded encouraged and invited to submit items for publication in Intersections. We especially invite briefings about happenings in your congregation, and other items of interest, as well as photographs with captions. Send submissions to Mae: office@abcgi.org

Today we air our 5^th episode of Region Resplendence! We got a chance to sit with Rev. Clarence Moore, senior pastor of New Era Northside Church, who retires from the pastorate next month. We appreciate his story, and wish him well.

The life-blood for missional action is our United Mission giving and Region Offerings. We want to thank the twenty-eight (of the 39) churches who, during 2024, contributed to either United Missions (22) or Region Offering (6) or both (7). You enabled us to reduce our deficit over the previous year. We also thank the twenty-two churches who have supported us thus far in 2025.

Two Hundred for Two Hundred...We are slowly building this fund, thanks to 12 donors so far! Thank you! Would the rest of you join us??!

Opportunities to Serve and Grow

Dr. Friday is ready to facilitate a weekend workshop with your congregation’s leaders. Contact Dr. Friday for more information and to schedule your dates. This is crucial for our times.

First Baptist Church of Greenwood, who enjoyed this workshop recently, says this, so very kindly and generously, of the facilitator and the retreat:

“Your presence, insight, and spirit-filled guidance were a true blessing to everyone who attended. You challenged and encouraged us in meaningful ways, and the clarity with which you shared your wisdom helped create a space of learning, reflection, and growth. We deeply appreciate the time and care you invested in preparing and facilitating such an impactful session.”

As we anticipate celebrating ABCGI’s 200th anniversary next year, 2026, we have launched a special fund that we call Two hundred for Two Hundred. We are inviting (at least) 200 persons to give to this fund by sending in your donations to the region office (8600 N College Ave, 46240) or by using our online Gyve portal on our website. We invite three categories of givers to offer gifts, designated for this fund, as follows:

• The Teamsters: those who each give $200
• The Overachievers: those who each give $2026
• The Multipliers: a third category of giver may add to their initial $200, $200 increments toward $2026, or multiply their $200 by any number they choose!

A portion of this fund will be used to defray the cost of our bicentennial celebrations; however, we expect that a sizeable portion shall be committed to our ABCGI endowment. Will you join this team of joyful givers?

Mission and Growth

Franklin College has been a leader in liberal arts education since its founding in 1834 by American Baptist pioneers. The curriculum emphasizes practical and transferable skills to prepare graduates for real world opportunities. The college welcomes visits from students and parents as well as interested youth groups. 

To schedule a visit or to apply, please visit click the link below. When you apply, please be sure to indicate that you are American Baptist and provide the name of your church. There are endowed scholarships available for American Baptist students. 

As an American Baptist pastor and Franklin College alumna, I am happy to share about the opportunities available. To learn more please contact Rev. Rebecca H. May with the link below.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in Him.” Psalms 34:8

Faith Full Feeds is a website containing exploratory playlists covering various spiritual topics. Each consists of interactive activities to help the reader take a deeper dive in discovering how the faith journey and life intersect. Check out the "Staying Spiritually Grounded in Confusing Times" playlist.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16           

Countless times throughout the year, you minister to people in difficult circumstances who need a touch of God’s grace. What joy there is when you see folks draw near to God and receive that mercy. 

When your time of need comes, due to health or financial crises, MEF stands ready to minister to you through grants to alleviate the financial burdens you and your family carry. What joy there is when these weights are thrown off, freeing you to be an even more effective minister of God’s grace and mercy. With confidence, take that step today to apply.

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." Edith Sitwell



For Prayer This Week

Indian Creek Baptist Camp

Rev. Dr. Michael Friday

Executive Minister

(317) 455-5699

execminister@abcgi.org

M. Mae Thornburgh

Administrative Assistant

(317) 418-5280

office@abcgi.org